Actidex Syrup: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Blood in stool or vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Severe headache with visual changes
- Sudden swelling of face, lips, or throat
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Decreased urine output
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is coughex-dm syrup used for?
This medicine is a combination of ammonium chloride and bromhexine used to treat productive cough by thinning and loosening mucus, making it easier to cough out. It is taken orally, usually 5-10 ml three to four times daily, and should not be used for dry cough.
- Generic Name: Ammonium Chloride + Bromhexine
- Manufacturer: Sun Life Sciences Pvt Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 coughex-dm syrup के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा एक ओरल कफ सिरप है जिसमें अमोनियम क्लोराइड और ब्रोमहेक्सिन होते हैं। यह बलगम को पतला करके खांसी के साथ बलगम निकालने में मदद करती है। इसका उपयोग ब्रोंकाइटिस, सर्दी-जुकाम और अन्य श्वसन संबंधी समस्याओं में होता है जहां गाढ़ा बलगम होता है। यह सूखी खांसी के लिए नहीं है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में पेट खराब होना, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, दस्त, सिरदर्द और चक्कर आना शामिल हैं। कभी-कभी एलर्जी, त्वचा पर चकत्ते, सूजन या सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो सकती है। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं लेकिन यदि कोई असामान्य लक्षण दिखे तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा को डॉक्टर के निर्देशानुसार ही लें। खुद से मात्रा या अवधि न बढ़ाएं। दवा लेते समय खूब पानी पिएं। अन्य कफ सिरप के साथ बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के न लें। सूखी खांसी या 7 दिन से अधिक की खांसी में बिना सलाह के उपयोग न करें। गर्भवती या स्तनपान कराने वाली महिलाएं डॉक्टर से परामर्श करें। बच्चों की पहुंच से दूर रखें।
💊 coughex-dm syrup Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Productive cough (wet cough)","description":"Helps loosen and thin mucus, making it easier to cough out.","evidence":"Well-established for short-term symptomatic relief."},{"condition":"Bronchitis","description":"Used as an adjunct to help clear thick bronchial secretions.","evidence":"Commonly used, but evidence is supportive."},{"condition":"Common cold with chest congestion","description":"Provides symptomatic relief of chest congestion due to mucus.","evidence":"Limited evidence; often used in combination products."}]
Off-label uses: []
Primary treatment for: Productive cough
Also treats: Bronchitis, Common cold with chest congestion, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with thick mucus
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Ammonium Chloride + Bromhexine |
| Brand Name | Ambitus Syrup |
| Manufacturer | Sun Life Sciences Pvt Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Expectorant and Mucolytic |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store at room temperature (15-30°C) in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Do not freeze. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine combines two active ingredients with complementary actions. Ammonium chloride is an expectorant that irritates the gastric mucosa, reflexively stimulating respiratory tract secretions, which helps to thin mucus and make it easier to expel. Bromhexine is a mucolytic agent that reduces the viscosity of bronchial secretions by depolymerizing mucopolysaccharide fibers, thereby improving mucus clearance. Together, they help relieve productive cough associated with thick, tenacious mucus.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take coughex-dm syrup
Strength: Each 5 ml contains Ammonium Chloride 50 mg and Bromhexine 4 mg.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of this medicine is 5-10 ml taken orally three to four times daily, or as directed by a physician. The dose may vary based on the severity of the condition and the patient's response. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. Do not exceed the recommended dose. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing in children. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing. |
| Renal Impairment | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult a doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult a doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 ml in adults, unless otherwise directed by a physician. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of coughex-dm syrup
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| MAOIs | Major | |
| Diuretics | Major | |
| Antibiotics | Moderate | |
| Cough suppressants | Moderate | |
| Antacids | Minor |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin, tetracycline)
- Cough suppressants (e.g., dextromethorphan, codeine)
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may increase the sedative effects of this medicine and worsen stomach irritation. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to ammonium chloride, bromhexine, or any component of the formulation","Severe renal impairment","Severe hepatic impairment","Metabolic acidosis","Children under 2 years of age"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Do not use for dry cough or cough lasting more than 7 days without medical advice.","Use with caution in patients with asthma, peptic ulcer disease, or kidney disease.","May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.","Do not exceed the recommended dose.","Keep out of reach of children.","Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether ammonium chloride and bromhexine pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, metabolic acidosis, and electrolyte imbalance. Seek immediate medical attention. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Monitor electrolytes and acid-base balance.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Additional Safety Advice
Take this medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose or duration of treatment. Drink plenty of water while taking this medicine to help loosen mucus. Avoid taking this medicine with other cough and cold products without consulting your doctor, as they may contain overlapping ingredients. Do not use this medicine for a dry cough or for cough lasting more than 7 days without medical advice. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this medicine. Keep out of reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not use after the expiry date.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine, especially drowsiness and gastrointestinal upset. Use with caution and consult a doctor for appropriate dosing.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before taking this medicine. The safety of this medicine during pregnancy is not well established.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Consult your doctor before using this medicine after surgery, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying conditions.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are taking this medicine before any dental procedure. It may cause dry mouth or interact with anesthetics.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise if you have a cough or fever. Light activity like walking may be okay if you feel up to it. Consult your doctor before resuming intense exercise.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. It is generally safe to work if you do not experience these side effects.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if your cough persists for more than 7 days, if it worsens, or if you experience any severe side effects. Do not stop abruptly if you have been on it for a long time without medical advice.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without medical supervision. Prolonged use of ammonium chloride can lead to metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalance. Bromhexine is generally well tolerated, but long-term effects are not well established. Regular monitoring of renal function and electrolytes may be required if used for extended periods.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Helps loosen mucus and soothe airways.
Evidence: Well-established for symptomatic relief.Can help clear nasal congestion and post-nasal drip.
Evidence: Well-established.💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
There are no known interactions between this medicine and vaccines. However, if you are due for a vaccination, inform your healthcare provider that you are taking this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature (15-30°C)
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate unless specified
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight
❌ DON'T
Do not store in bathroom cabinet
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription in case of customs checks. Store at room temperature and protect from extreme heat or cold. If crossing time zones, adjust dosing times to maintain regular intervals, but do not double up on doses. Keep the bottle upright to prevent leakage.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: This medicine usually starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour after taking a dose, helping to loosen mucus and make coughing more productive.
A: Yes, but inform your doctor. Bromhexine may increase the penetration of antibiotics into bronchial secretions, which can be beneficial, but the dose and timing should be guided by your doctor.
A: This medicine is not recommended for children under 2 years. For older children, consult a pediatrician for appropriate dosing.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for coughex-dm syrup
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
cof-br syrupComed Chemicals Ltd ₹21.97 51.2% CHEAPER
-
expectomin expectorantRemedies Pharmaceuticals (India) Ltd ₹37.00 17.8% CHEAPER
-
larynex syrupRhombus Pharma Pvt Ltd ₹40.22 10.6% CHEAPER
-
brodex syrupAlliaance Biotech ₹42.19 6.2% CHEAPER
-
odex-p syrupRishab Healthcare pvt. Ltd. ₹46.78 4% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine can cure any type of cough.
Fact: This medicine is only for productive cough with thick mucus. It is not effective for dry cough. - Myth: It is safe to take this medicine for a long time.
Fact: This medicine is for short-term use only. Prolonged use should be under medical supervision.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Ammonium chloride + Bromhexine syrup (various manufacturers)
Brand Alternatives
- Actidex syrup